My life flows on in endless songAbove earth's lamentationI hear the real, thought far off hymnThat hails the new creationAbove the tumult and the strife,I hear the music ringing;It sounds an echo in my soulHow can I keep from singing?

What through the tempest loudly roars,I hear the truth, it livethWhat through the darkness round me close,Songs in the night it givethNo storm can shake my inmost calmWhile to that rock I'm clingingSince love is lord of Heaven and earthHow can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,And hear their death-knell ringing,When friends rejoice both far and near,How can I keep from singing?In prison cell and dungeon vileOur thoughts to them are wingingWhen friends by shame are undefiled,How can I keep from singing?